Real Madrid want as much as DOUBLE the £89 million they paid for Welsh superstar Gareth Bale.

Manchester United are closing in on the winger after his brilliant match-winning display in the Champions League victory over Liverpool.

Bale, who turns 29 this summer, has made it clear he is unhappy and needs to be “playing week-in and week-out” at this stage of his career.

His remarks have put the Premier League on red alert as a return to England is the only viable option because he is on £650,000-a-week at Madrid.

Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates with teammates during a parade at the Bernabeu (Image: Denis Doyle)

United would be able to do a deal in that territory with Alexis Sanchez already on that sort of package.

But Real Madrid would want more than the £89m they paid for him five years ago - and could want as much as DOUBLE what they paid for him.

Other reports say Real Madrid will want a fee of £200million for the superstar - with Manchester United only rating him in the £70 million bracket.

Gareth Bale of Real Madrid walks off the pitch with a Wales flag drapped over him (Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)

Los Blancos want to strengthen their squad with PSG superstar Neymar among their targets and also a new midfielder which will only increase the competition and doubt for Bale.

United boss Mourinho has already got Bale on his summer wish list as they look to do a £250m overhaul of the squad also including moves for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred and Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld.